American Rescue Plan Act Update (8/20/21)
Counties and Metropolitan Cites (Entitlement Cities) with a population over 50,000 were granted their share of the American Rescue Plan Act money directly from the Federal government. The Federal government does not have the information for Local governments with a population under 50,000, known as Non-Entitlement Units. (NEU's). ARPA requires the States to distribute the Fiscal Recovery Funds to NEU's based on population within 30 days of a state receiving the funds unless a 30-day extension is granted. Oklahoma received the ARPA funds the week of August 9th. We believe the State will probably ask for an extension to distribute these funds.
Municipalities will receive the funds in two equal payments, with 50% provided after successful completion of the application and the remaining balance will be delivered 12 months later. Municipalities should expect to receive the initial funds sometime around October. The Oklahoma Municipal League is currently working with the State of Oklahoma and a team of municipal experts on this funding process. This team will contact your municipality with the total amount of your award and information on how to fill out the application when the final award has been calculated.
To prepare for applying for your ARPA funds please have the following information ready:
1. Ensure your municipality has a valid DUNS number. A DUNS number is a unique nine-character number used to identify an organization and is issued by Dun & Bradstreet. The federal government uses the DUNS number to track how federal money is allocated. A DUNS number is required prior to registering with the SAM database, which is outlined below. Registering for a DUNS number is free of charge.
If an entity does not have a valid DUNS number, please visit https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/ or call 1-866-705-5711 to begin the registration process.
2. Ensure your municipality has an active SAM registration. SAM is the official government-wide database to register with in order to do business with the U.S. government. All Federal financial assistance recipients must register on SAM.gov and renew their SAM registration annually to maintain an active status to be eligible to receive Federal financial assistance. There is no charge to register or maintain your entity SAM registration.
If an entity does not have an active SAM registration, please visit, SAM.gov to begin the entity registration or renewal process. Please note that SAM registration can take up to three weeks; delay in registering in SAM could impact timely payment of funds.
Click here for a quick overview for SAM registration
3. Gather your local government’s payment information.
Local government name, Entity’s Taxpayer Identification Number, DUNS number, and address
Authorized representative name, title, and email
Contact person name, title, phone, and email
Financial institution information (e.g., routing and account number, financial institution name and contact information)
Confirm your local government’s top-line budget total (defined as your local government’s total annual operating budget, including the general fund and other funds, in effect as of January 27,2020)
For a brief overview of permissible uses for ARPA funds check out the U.S. Department of Treasury's Quick Reference Guide. For eligible Water, Sewer, and Broadband projects, a municipality may plan or start the project now and use the ARPA funds to cover the costs incurred. (FAQ's pg. 21). For more detailed information about permissible uses, please consult the FAQ's and Interim Final Rules on the Treasury's website. Additionally, the State of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Municipal League along with the team of municipal experts will be providing additional information on permissible uses specific to the state of Oklahoma. If you are not sure whether a project would be covered, your municipal attorney will be your best resource for advice.